“Hahaha!”

The laughter arrived before the person, as Elder Gongming’s hearty roar carried an otherworldly charm.

With furrowed brows and dampened spirits, Immortal Changshou welcomed them with visible concern.

In the rear hall of the Sea God Temple, True Immortal Huanglong arrived alongside Zhao Gongming. Li Changshou’s paper avatar hurriedly stepped forward to inquire about the situation with both cultivators…

This couldn’t continue with Elder Zhao’s reckless behavior.

Furthermore, when Brother Gongming had previously executed his schemes, he had always targeted the Western Faction. The Western Faction had been secretly undermining the Dao School’s foundation and interfering with their grand fate. It made perfect sense for their powerful figures to strike back covertly – the Western Faction wouldn’t dare escalate matters.

But now, Elder Zhao had changed his target to the Vice Patriarch of the Enlightened Immortal School…

Unless Supreme Immortal Denglamp publicly declared his separation from the Enlightened Immortal School, or the School’s Sovereign Lord – the Jade Pure Original Heavenly Honored One – stripped Denglamp of his Vice Patriarch position, Denglamp remained an untouchable powerhouse within their ranks.

He was simply beyond reach.

Thus, when Li Changshou learned that Zhao Gongming had gone to “set an ambush,” “chance upon,” “extend greetings,” and “oh my heavens,” he quickly dispatched True Immortal Huanglong to follow, carrying his modest suggestions.

Fortunately, seeing Zhao Gongming’s relaxed expression and True Immortal Huanglong’s slight awkwardness, the situation hadn’t spiraled out of control…

Li Changshou inquired carefully, and Zhao Gongming recounted his encounter in detail.

Zhao Gongming, the old master of deception, demonstrated consummate skill in his craft!

Before True Immortal Huanglong’s arrival, Zhao Gongming followed his usual strategy: first fall, then accuse, then settle privately…

The only detail that slightly surprised Li Changshou was that Zhao Gongming, wielding his Twenty-Four Sea-Calming Divine Zhenzhus, had firmly pressured Supreme Immortal Denglamp from the start, placing him at a disadvantage before the battle even began.

This was Elder Zhao’s true confidence in his schemes.

Li Changshou praised this endlessly, strengthening his resolve to quickly acquire powerful Spiritual Treasures to bolster his strength.

[Before Teaching the Junior Daoist to Become a Golden Immortal]

“The Great Dao is my true nature, Heaven and Earth resonate with me!

When Spiritual Treasures are insufficient, formations will suffice. Talismans, forbidden seals, confusion powders and poisons, reducing enemies to ash – all equally effective. True flames burn all things, thunder methods break evil spirits.

Theoretically speaking, one’s initiative in battle depends entirely on escape techniques. Spiritual Treasures are merely secondary!

Taking risks to acquire treasures for self-protection was simply illogical behavior!”

[After Teaching the Junior Daoist to Become a Golden Immortal]

‘As my Dao Realm advances more slowly day by day, I need external objects to strengthen myself!’

*Ahem*, back to the matter at hand.

After Zhao Gongming sealed the Eight Trigrams, he simply collapsed before Supreme Immortal Denglamp, threatening to take the matter to Biyou Palace.

Supreme Immortal Denglamp’s brows furrowed deeply as he contemplated what schemes the Severance School might be plotting…

According to Zhao Gongming’s description, Denglamp’s furrowed expression lasted for an entire stick of incense; clearly, he had constructed an entire theory of “Conspiracy” and “Primordial Calculation Studies” in his mind.

Fortunately, during this pause, True Immortal Huanglong arrived just in time.

Following Li Changshou’s instructions, True Immortal Huanglong secretly transmitted to Zhao Gongming:

“Senior Brother Gongming, by employing such methods against Vice Patriarch Denglamp, do you seek certain treasures? Or perhaps covet some divine abilities?”

Zhao Gongming immediately shook his head, transmitting back: “I simply found his arrogance and Western alignment distasteful, so I decided to cause him some trouble. I seek nothing from him.”

At this point, True Immortal Huanglong quickly outlined the stakes, presenting Li Changshou’s suggested course of action…

Zhao Gongming’s lips curled as he sighed internally.

A hero with no place to display his valor.

Zhao Gongming rose from his reclining position on the cloud and asked Denglamp with a smile: “Uncle Master Denglamp, have you found any counter to this technique of mine?”

This was a strategy Zhao Gongming had employed before, and it flowed quite naturally.

Denglamp’s brows furrowed even deeper, speaking for the first time since encountering Zhao Gongming:

“Fellow Daoist… what is your intention?”

“Ah, to be honest,” Zhao Gongming sighed, “In recent years, I’ve been seeking countermeasures to this technique, visiting many wise masters in the Western Oxherd Continent for this purpose.

However, none could devise a counter, leaving me quite disappointed.

Today, seeing Uncle Master Denglamp, knowing you’re supremely wise and highly regarded by many Western School masters, I demonstrated this technique directly to see if you might devise a counter.

But it seems difficult.

Uncle Master, I’ve been too presumptuous. I shall take my leave now.”

Zhao Gongming displayed regret, withdrew his treasures, and mounted his cloud to depart southwest.

Supreme Immortal Denglamp finally recovered his senses;

Though still bewildered by Zhao Gongming’s true intentions, he immediately called out:

“Might you demonstrate this technique once more? Perhaps this poor Daoist could devise some countermeasures!”

Zhao Gongming halted his cloud, turned back with a smile, and said:

“Uncle Master Denglamp, please don’t force yourself. You’ve already pondered for so long; failing to counter this technique isn’t shameful – many Western School Sage disciples couldn’t break it either.

If Uncle Master wishes to truly understand this technique’s essence, you must visit the South Sea and find my younger brother, the Sea God!

To be frank, this technique came from my brother’s brilliant insights – truly fascinating indeed!”

With these words, Zhao Gongming bowed in farewell and departed on his cloud, feeling somewhat satisfied.

Supreme Immortal Denglamp showed no anger, departing with a smile, though a flash of fury flickered in his eyes.

Those final statements were purely Zhao Gongming’s additions, both to support his younger brother and subtly warn Supreme Immortal Denglamp.

[My Sea God brother has extensive connections, not only protected by the Human Sovereign’s Sage Lord but also by our Severance School!]

Along with an implicit threat to Denglamp:

[If we wanted to deal with you, my brother has plenty of methods!]

After Zhao Gongming finished relating these events, he raised an eyebrow at Li Changshou, and this outer disciple of the Severance School smiled:

“How was that? Your elder brother maintained perfect control this time, didn’t he?

From now on, if Vice Patriarch Denglamp wishes to move against you, he’ll have to think twice!”

Li Changshou’s paper avatar smiled and nodded, repeatedly saying ‘Brother’s efforts are appreciated,’ while his true body scratched at walls in his secret chamber.

Though relations with Supreme Immortal Denglamp would certainly be strained after this incident, his previous impression of Li Changshou had merely been that of a ‘somewhat clever Human Sovereign disciple.’

But after Elder Zhao’s interference…

Future schemes against Supreme Immortal Denglamp would truly be difficult.

In the Sea God Temple, Li Changshou ordered a feast, sharing drinks with Zhao Gongming and True Immortal Huanglong, all in good spirits.

In Jade Void Palace, Supreme Immortal Denglamp returned to his cultivation hall, ordering his young attendant to guard the entrance. The great hall was shrouded in formation light, concealing whatever this old Daoist might be doing inside…

Afterward, Li Changshou made a simple summary, focusing particularly on analyzing what influence Denglamp, this Vice Patriarch of the Enlightened Immortal School, could exert.

Overall, the other party remained a Dao School powerhouse.

Based on intelligence gathered from Zhao Gongming and True Immortal Huanglong during their drinking session, confirmed Denglamp’s poor relationship with Guangcheng Zi.

The Enlightened Immortal School’s internal harmony fell short of the Severance School’s.

The Original Heavenly Honored One’s most beloved disciple was the South Pole Immortal Lord. South Pole Immortal Lord and Guangcheng Zi were the only two Sage disciples who could enter the ‘Three Friends Courtyard’ to pay respects to the Sage Lord at any time.

Though Denglamp was Vice Patriarch, only some followers close to him heeded his commands. Most others merely paid lip service, his authority far below Guangcheng Zi’s.

Yet nominally, Denglamp could still issue orders to Guangcheng Zi, which caused some dissatisfaction…

Of course, Li Changshou had no intention of actively targeting Denglamp;

He gathered this intelligence merely to prepare for possible future troubles.

Apart from Elder Zhao’s “sudden independence,” this matter remained well within control.

The way of schemes – pull one hair and the whole body moves. When the Sage Lord assigned Li Changshou the task of “supporting the dragon’s ascension to heaven,” he had already made these preparations.

Today’s investment was for future stability on the immortal path.

Work hard, with immortal power!

…

Li Changshou roused his spirits and, after sending off his two senior friends Zhao Gongming and True Immortal Huanglong, his consciousness returned to his true body.

He focused on consolidating his realm while observing the situation of the Four Seas;

Meanwhile, Li Changshou created a list, recording all potentially obtainable treasures he could think of or knew about.

[On: How to Strengthen Oneself Without Touching Karma.]

Speaking of treasures, the most powerful Spiritual Treasure in Li Changshou’s possession was the Lovesickness Divine Tree, safely stored in the paper avatar vault beneath Anshui City.

This was a Post-Heaven Merit Treasure – though high-ranked, it couldn’t be directly used in combat.

He could hardly deploy paper avatars wielding Lovesickness Tree branches to secretly stab powerful enemies during battle.

Though this might be effective, one battle would probably leave the Lovesickness Tree…

Bare.

Even having achieved Golden Immortal status, Li Changshou dared not scheme for First-Heaven Grade One Spiritual Treasures. Since ancient times in the Primordial World, almost all items bearing the words “First-Heaven” already had owners.

His current targets were focused on Post-Heaven Merit Treasures and Post-Heaven Supreme Treasures.

Such Merit Treasures and Supreme Treasures couldn’t be forged simply by infusing mortal worship merit – they required participation in major worldly events, enduring Heaven’s Dao power, and receiving merit bestowed by Heaven’s Dao to be called Post-Heaven Supreme Treasures.

The Heavenly Court’s method of cultivating the Lovesickness Tree was quite wasteful.

After all, the Heavenly Court represented Heaven’s Dao, with His Majesty the Jade Emperor essentially having a merit mine at home – something he couldn’t emulate…

Li Changshou calculated carefully, compiling Post-Heaven supreme treasures known from his previous life and current hearsay – there were quite a few indeed.

Among Post-Heaven treasures, Human Dao Supreme Treasures ranked highest, led by the Yellow Emperor’s trinity – the Kongtong Seal.

This treasure was forged by an Enlightened Immortal Schoolmaster, serving as a Human Emperor’s Regalia, its power reportedly no less than Guangcheng Zi’s signature treasure, the Heaven-Turning Seal.

However, the Kongtong Seal’s main function was suppressing human destiny, involving massive karma.

Li Changshou pondered briefly, crossing off treasures with massive karmic implications from his detailed list, such as Great Yu’s Nine Tripods, Mountain-Opening Axe, Divine Farmer’s Ten Thousand Spirits Cauldron, Fuxi’s Eight Trigrams Disc, Suiren’s Fire-Starting Drill…

And so on.

Then, Li Changshou crossed off another batch – treasures from the list that had owners.

Such as the Heaven-Opening Zhenzhu, Earth-Splitting Zhenzhu, Primordial Treasure Zhenzhu, Eye-Piercing Zhenzhu, Sun-Moon Zhenzhu, Fire Dragon Badge, and Soul-Reaping Banner… all belonged to others.

After several hours of work, Li Changshou crossed off all the treasures on the list, sitting there helplessly.

“Wanting to acquire a few treasures truly requires taking from the unwilling.”

Li Changshou thought hard again, writing down another batch of treasures he favored, with relatively low acquisition difficulty and holders who weren’t too formidable.

Soon, Li Changshou wrote down several treasure names, pondered and analyzed them for half a day, and then crossed them off too.

The karmic implications weren’t small, and the risks to bear weren’t small either.

“Ah, wanting to strengthen oneself truly isn’t easy.”

With a sweep of his sleeve, Li Changshou didn’t waste more effort on this matter, having decided that after stabilizing his realm, he would initiate the ‘pills for treasures’ plan.

What destined opportunities would come knocking? Everything required one’s planning and calculation!

The pill dao transmitted by the Lord of Dao became his greatest reliance. Later, if he could refine Spirit Pills above grade six, he wouldn’t worry about treasures not coming to his door.

Money makes the ghost turn the millstone…

Hmm?

Money?

A flash of inspiration struck, and Li Changshou suddenly thought of something, taking out another piece of silk to write and draw.

Li Changshou quickly became energized, his eyes gleaming as he hung the silk on the wall.

It showed a pair of copper coins with small wings, surrounded by dense notations.

The Treasure-Falling Copper Coins!

They happened to be Elder Zhao’s destined nemesis treasure!

At this time, they were most likely yet to emerge, lost somewhere!

To acquire these, his paper avatar’s current strength was insufficient. The paper avatar needed a significant power boost before his true body could sit securely and avoid risks!

He dared not say the paper avatar needed Golden Immortal strength, but at minimum, his control of the paper avatar should be able to severely wound ordinary Golden Immortals from afar!

“Mm, let’s start upgrading divine abilities early.”

Li Changshou took a breath, lowered his head to take out a pile of spirit tree pulp paper, and began writing, drawing, carving restrictions, and manifesting divine abilities.

Several days later…

A violent spiritual energy fluctuation suddenly erupted on Little Qiong Peak, but this disturbance came and went quickly, unnoticed by anyone.

A few breaths later, eight hundred li northwest of the Degree Immortal Sect’s mountain gate, a mushroom cloud rose skyward. Strong spiritual energy formed shock waves spreading far and wide, making the sect’s mountain-protecting grand formation shake.

The Degree Immortal Sect’s three Golden Immortal masters were alarmed, immediately leading several elders to investigate.

At the explosion’s center, a barren mountain had vanished, replaced by a huge crater. Spirit springs gushed at the bottom, and the earth’s veins directly blasted apart.

Meanwhile, a certain unidentified Primordial Immortal junior disciple of the Degree Immortal Sect, who had accidentally blown up his paper avatar, had already secretly slunk back near the mountain gate, sitting in meditation under a dense forest.

Heavens preserve us…

Just a bit more, and Little Qiong Peak would have been gone!

Indeed, divine ability modifications had a ceiling, and the Heavenly Dao Lord wouldn’t allow him to create a paper person at half-step Golden Immortal level. Theoretically, the previous paper avatars should have been impossible to explode.

“Well, one experimental result may be coincidental. Since I’m already out here, might as well try a few more times.”

Thus, in the following two months, over twenty spiritual explosions occurred within several thousand li of the Degree Immortal Sect. Each incident happened in the dead of night, with tremendous disturbance and no warning.

Those seeking Brave Heart Pills from Elder Jiuwu suddenly increased!

Eventually, it was a seemingly unrelated minor matter that caused a certain unnamed Golden Immortal, eager to strengthen himself, to temporarily suspend his divine ability research.

— Jiang Lin’er and Upper Immortal Wangqing, accompanied by Master Qi Yuan and his two disciples, had set off together to recruit disciples in the Southern Jambudvipa Continent.